Near Mammoth Lakes in Mono County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Crowley Lake
Water for Los Angeles, Enjoyment for Anglers
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
1. Crowley Lake Marker
Historically, the Owens River meandered through the valley before you. Crowley Lake was created in 1941 by the construction of the Long Valley Dam. The largest reservoir of the Los Angeles aqueduct system, Crowley Lake stores enough water for a million people. As water leaves the lake it generates hydroelectric energy for 75,000 homes in Los Angeles and the Eastern Sierra. It then flows into Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the Owens River. About sixty miles south of here, the water enters the Los Angeles Aqueduct and begins a 225 mile trip to Los Angeles.
Crowley Lake is famous for its great fishing and scenic wilderness backdrop. The California Department of Fish and Game releases thousands of fingerling to catchable-size trout into the lake each year. These trout quickly grow to trophy size in the productive waters. Fishing season attracts anglers from all over the world for shoreline, boat, and float tube fishing. Note that there are seasonal changes in angling regulations at Crowley Lake.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.
Location. 37° 34.504′ N, 118° 45.148′ W. Marker is near Mammoth Lakes,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Crowley Lake (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); McGee Mountain Rope Tow #34 (approx. 2.4 miles away); Tragedy at Convict Lake (approx. 5.6 miles away); Convict Lake (approx. 5.6 miles away); Owens Valley (approx. 9 miles away); Casa Diablo (approx. 10 miles away); Pine Creek Mine (approx. 13.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mammoth Lakes.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Crowley Lake (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. This marker is deteriorating and impossible to read. An identical marker is on the opposite side of the highway. It is in poor condition and difficult to read.
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
2. Another Crowley Lake Marker
This identical marker is on the northbound side of US-395.
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
3. Crowley Lake and Marker
Other interpretive signs describe local geology.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 56 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 4, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
